Rhinecliff Hotel- Rhinecliff, NY

If you love trains, you will love The Rhinecliff Hotel. If not, you should probably stay in Rhinebeck; but you would totally be missing out. Impossibly quaint and perched on the shores of the Hudson, all rooms have river views and balconies, allowing you to watch both trains and ships, which is fitting, as it was built to serve both ferry and rail passengers.

Located just a few miles from Rhinebeck, the subdued Queen Anne style hotel was constructed in 1854 by architect George Veitch to serve the Rhinecliff-Kingston Ferry Terminal, as well as the Hudson River Railroad. It is a simple Victorian, with a gabled roof, and second story wrap around porch, painted a cheery yellow; no fancy turrets or spindlework here, which is indicative of its more utilitarian function. This was a working man’s hotel. A place for a travelers, but not so much a destination. That is no longer the case.

The hotel continued to operate until 2003, spending its later years as a dive bar and a music venue. It had the perfect location, being down by the river and all. It was then purchased by two brothers who were former patrons of the establishment, who spent 5 years and $5 million dollars transforming the property into a fabulous riverfront retreat. With only 9 rooms, they were able to retain and restore many original features, including the beautiful wood floors, beams and original Victorian bar. That said, the spaces feel wonderfully updated, open and airy. It strikes a perfect balance between old and new.

Off-season, during the week, you might just have the place to yourself. Which isn’t a bad thing. During the summer, make sure to plan early, as it is very popular, and frequently booked up months out. It is also a very popular wedding venue. They still have a bar, and a very nice restaurant, as well as plenty of outside seating. A complementary breakfast is offered, which was absolutely amazing; it may well have been the best goat cheese omelette I have ever had. I think I would go back just for that. While it is nice to stay in town at the Beekman Arms, you should not leave the area without staying at least one night at The Rhinecliff. I am certainly glad I did.